George William Schwartz, loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother entered into eternal rest at 3:33 am on Thanksgiving Day. He was an extraordinary man who touched the lives of so many with his gentle nature, quick wit and his many musical talents.
George was born on May 11, 1918 in Newark, New Jersey to parents George and Elizabeth Schwartz. From an early age, his musical aptitude was encouraged through his mother who was an organist and piano teacher. George quickly took to many instruments but in high school chose the bassoon as his principal instrument of study. This choice served him as a base for his musical career. George began his professional study at Ernest Williams School of Music in Brooklyn, New York. He continued on at West Liberty College in West Virginia where he played in the symphony and met the love of his life, Betty Ruth. While in West Virginia he was called to serve in World War II. Leaving Betty behind, George served his country for almost 4 years as a technical corporal in the 5th, 18th, and 99th Infantry Army bands. His musical talents served him well as he traveled all over the world serving our country. While abroad, he saved enough money to buy an engagement ring for Betty, and asked his parents to purchase the ring and propose by proxy! Upon his return to the United States at the end of the war, Betty and George were married at Betty’s brother’s church in Cumberland, Maryland on Dec. 22, 1945. Eager to return to his education, George attended Julliard School of Music in New York City. While in New York, he was recruited by a representative of the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra and he and Betty decided to make the move to Texas.
After settling in San Antonio, George served as principal bassoonist with the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra for 36 years. During this time, he and Betty became the proud parents of two children, Jayne Ellen and Richard Irving. Jayne followed in her father’s footsteps and pursued a life of music studies as a pianist and composer. In 1968, the family experienced the untimely passing of their son Ricky, who died in a car accident. Music was George's life and true passion, and he expressed it through performance, teaching, and composition. Upon retirement, he continued to compose and record music and he worked in his workshop at home repairing woodwind instruments. He also doted over his three granddaughters, spending time with them, taking them to music lessons, and making them pancakes every Saturday morning.
George and Betty moved into their lake house in Canyon Lake in 1993 and loved living among the wildlife and nature of the beautiful South Texas hill country. George spent much of his time feeding and befriending the many deer that soon found a home outside of their wooden porch.
George is survived by his wife of 65 years Betty; daughter, Jayne; granddaughters Erin, Neala, and Adrienne; and brothers, Charles and Robert. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on December 03, 2010 at University Presbyterian Church, 300 Bushnell Avenue.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18